Okavango Delta in December

In December, Okavango Delta averages 33°C (91°F) during the day and 21°C (70°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (108 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December in Okavango Delta is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).

33°C
Avg high
21°C
Avg low
13
Rain days
108 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Okavango Delta

4th
warmest month of the 12
3rd
wettest month of the 12
20%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
13 h 17 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Okavango Delta (4th of 12) and one of the wettest months (3rd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (31°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (35°C) and cools 2°C in January (31°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Okavango Delta

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
5:45 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:02 PM
Day length
13 h 17 min

Times shown for Okavango Delta local time (Africa/Gaborone), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Okavango Delta — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Okavango Delta's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
4:45 AM – 5:25 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:25 AM – 6:25 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:22 PM – 7:22 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:22 PM – 8:02 PM

📅 When to book — Okavango Delta in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Okavango Delta's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Okavango Delta

Shoulder

Okavango Delta is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Okavango Delta

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
13
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Okavango Delta in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 31°C / 87°F 20°C / 68°F 168 mm 17
February 30°C / 86°F 20°C / 68°F 112 mm 16
March 30°C / 85°F 19°C / 67°F 102 mm 12
April 29°C / 84°F 17°C / 62°F 29 mm 3
May 28°C / 83°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
June 26°C / 78°F 10°C / 50°F 0 mm 0
July 26°C / 78°F 9°C / 49°F 0 mm 0
August 30°C / 86°F 13°C / 55°F 0 mm 0
September 34°C / 93°F 17°C / 62°F 0 mm 0
October 36°C / 98°F 20°C / 68°F 3 mm 1
November 35°C / 95°F 21°C / 70°F 30 mm 7
December 33°C / 91°F 21°C / 70°F 108 mm 13

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Okavango Delta in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Okavango Delta in December?

In December, Okavango Delta averages a high of 33°C (91°F) and a low of 21°C (70°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Okavango Delta in December?

December can be fairly wet in Okavango Delta, with about 13 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Okavango Delta?

December is hot. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Okavango Delta in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Okavango Delta for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Okavango Delta on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.